Argentina's blockbuster movies and the politics of culture under neoliberalism, 1989-98

• Published in: Media, culture & society Vol. 22; no. 3; pp. 327 - 342
• Main Author: Falicov, Tamara L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London SAGE Publications 01.05.2000; Academic Press; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: Argentina; Commercialization; Cultural aspects; Cultural nationalism; Cultural studies; Culture; Economic Policy; Entertainment Industry; Film industry; Financial aspects; Government; Media; Motion picture industry; Neoliberalism; Political activity; Political aspects; Political Culture; Popular Culture; Argentina; national culture; Argentina; state-subsidized culture; film industry; Latin America
• ISSN: 0163-4437; 1460-3675
• DOI: 10.1177/016344300022003005

The film industry in Argentina has witnessed a recent `boom' in commercial blockbuster movies that is bringing audiences back to see national films. These high budget productions are produced in part by large television channels that are utilizing state subsidies for these projects. While this translates into healthy growth for the film industry, it is transforming the character of national film production from a cultural project to a commercial product. Consequently, smaller, less commercial filmmakers are being slighted in favor of these larger corporate entities; a move that contradicts the original intent of improved film legislation passed in 1994. This tension between film production as a form of national culture or a commercial industry is emblematic of the cultural politics waged in current President Menem's administration - a government characterized by its neoliberal economic reform and ties to global business.